71st Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at CSIR-IHBT. Director Dr. Sanjay Kumar hoisted the National Flag and addressed the staff and family members. The wall magazine “Manthan” containing articles and art works by staff and family members was also released. Tree plantation was organized as a part of greening the campus in a planned manner. Cedrus deodara and Betula utilis saplings were planted by Dr. Kumar and Madam Richa Kumar.

Various sports events for children of all age group was organized. There were special competitive events for ladies, staff members and scholars. Solo dance performed by little princess, Aarvi Swarnkar enthralled the audience.

Delicious lunch was served in the canteen. In the afternoon a Football match was organized between Hostel gladiator (scholars) and staff (Battle of IHBT) wherein Hostel gladiator won by 2-1. Prizes were distributed by Dr. Kumar and Madam Kumar to all the winners and participants.

News & Events

Independence Day Celebrations

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Independence Day Celebrations

71st Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at CSIR-IHBT. Director Dr. Sanjay Kumar hoisted the National Flag and addressed the staff and family members. The wall magazine “Manthan” containing articles and art works by staff and family members was also released. Tree plantation was organized as a part of greening the campus in a planned manner. Cedrus deodara and Betula utilis saplings were planted by Dr. Kumar and Madam Richa Kumar.

Various sports events for children of all age group was organized. There were special competitive events for ladies, staff members and scholars. Solo dance performed by little princess, Aarvi Swarnkar enthralled the audience.

Delicious lunch was served in the canteen. In the afternoon a Football match was organized between Hostel gladiator (scholars) and staff (Battle of IHBT) wherein Hostel gladiator won by 2-1. Prizes were distributed by Dr. Kumar and Madam Kumar to all the winners and participants.

CSIR-IHBT organised JIGYASA programme (10-14 July, 2017)

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CSIR-IHBT organised JIGYASA programme (10-14 July, 2017)

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology is organising JIGYASA programme from 10-14 July, 2017. JIGYASA is a student- scientist connect programme formalized through Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) on 6th July 2017. Initiative of JIGYASA was taken by CSIR as a part of Platinum Jubilee Celebration. Its model includes:

Residential program for the students

Scientists and teachers and teachers as scientist

Lab activities and onsite experiments

Scientists visiting the schools

Science and Math club

Lecture series

Apprenticeship program for the students

Science Exhibitions

Teacher's workshop

Tinkering Laboratories

Projects of National Children's Science Congress

The programme was inaugurated by Director, Dr. Sanjay Kumar at CSIR-IHBT. Shri Lalit Kumar Principal KV, Holta also addressed the students. Eminent scientist, Dr. O.P. Sharma delivered the keynote lecture that was attended by school students and others. During the week long programme, students of class XI will visit the state-of the art laboratories in the area of biotechnology, bioinformatics, natural product and synthetic chemistry, internationally recognised Herbarium, remote sensing and mapping facilities, animal house facility, pilot plants for nutraceuticals, essential oil and herbals. Extensive school level experiments have been specially designed by the scientists so that children learn by doing hands on training exposure to latest scientific techniques and functioning of scientific equipment. The idea is to excite young minds, nurture scientific instinct and develop scientific temperament among the students.

CSIR-IHBT Inks Agreement on Tea Catechins with INDCOSERVE, Tamil Nadu

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CSIR-IHBT Inks Agreement on Tea Catechins with INDCOSERVE, Tamil Nadu

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur signed an agreement with M/s INDCOSERVE (The Tamilnadu Small Tea Growers Industrial Cooperative Tea Factories Federation Ltd., at Coonoor, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu), on 30th June 2017 for transfer of technology for extraction of Catechins from tea leaves.

Catechins are high value antioxidants responsible for numerous health benefits. For extraction of one kg catechins, 40-50 kg fresh tea leaves required and its price in international market is Rs 12,000-15,000. Catechins are 7-9 times beneficial compared to commercial tea production. As per reports, global market for tea catechins is USD 200 million with an estimated CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 7.4 % till 2020.

It is pertinent to mention here that M/s INDCOSERVE has 16 Industrial Cooperative Tea Factories under regular production, catering to an area of 36,327 acres of 25,115 small tea growers with the main object to transform their socio-economic conditions as currently commercial tea processing in the region has been adversely affected due to poor marketing. The establishment of this enterprise will boost the economy of farmers involved in tea plantation in Coonoor area of Tamil Nadu. CSIR-IHBT technology of catechins production is a green and sustainable process.

CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative

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CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative

Situated among pristine environs in the lap of Dhauladhar ranges, CSIR-IHBT has a focused research mandate for sustainable development of bioresources to enhance bioeconomy in the Himalayan region. The young and dynamic team of the scientists, the technicians and research scholars works dedicatedly to discover and find solutions to new challenging problems relevant to the society. National and international collaborations further strengthen scientific interactions at a global scale. Promoting industrial growth through technological interventions is a constant endeavor and several technologies developed by the institute are transferred to industries and generated employment opportunities.

CSIR-IHBT invites application for the following Skill Development Training Programme :

MoU signed with State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB), Shimla, H.P.

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MoU signed with State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB), Shimla, H.P.

CSIR-IHBT, Palampur signed MoU with State Medicinal Plant Board (SMPB), Shimla, H.P. on 28th February, 2017 for establishment of high altitude rare and endangered medicinal plants nursery at Centre of High Altitude Biology (CeHAB) of CSIR-IHBT in Lahaul valley of district Lahaul- Spiti.

MoU signed with M/s DLB Herbs India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi for cultivation of stevia

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MoU signed with M/s DLB Herbs India Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi for cultivation of stevia

CSIR Technofest bags Gold Medal Award at Trade Fair

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CSIR Technofest bags Gold Medal Award at Trade Fair

CSIR Technofest bags Gold Medal Award at Trade Fair

The pavilion of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)’s adjudged First (Gold Medal) for excellence in display in the category, ‘Ministries & Departments’ at the 36th India International Trade Fair (IITF)

Dr.Girish Sahni, Director General, CSIR said: “Getting recognized for what CSIR is doing is indeed exciting. Everything happened because of the hard work put in by the entire CSIR family. The outcome of the last 75 year journey of the organization was on display and people liked it. We tried to portray our technologies in an aesthetically appealing way and we succeeded, as we stood first. This will boost us to continue the good work in the future.”

Talking about the mission and vision of CSIR, he added: “A number of projects are in the pipeline to take our mission projects further. More than 10 projects are being undertaken, including menthol mint production, enabling leather industry and new improved high-yield crop varieties for farmers which will increase their incomes.”

After receiving the award, Dr. Daljit Singh Bedi, Head USD and Coordinator of CSIR Platinum Jubilee Technofest expressed satisfaction, saying it was the most appropriate recognition of the teamwork of CSIR, depicting its contribution to the nation in its journey of more than seven decades in the most effective manner.”

The Technofest kicked-off on November 14 and each day was dedicated to different themes on various technologies, innovation and products developed by the CSIR laboratories. A total of 14 theme-based pavilions were set up in the Technofest. Beginning with the theme of ‘Aerospace & Strategic sector’, the event witnessed other theme-based activities focusing on ‘Generics & Healthcare’, ‘Engineering & Infrastructure’, ‘Energy’ and ‘Leather’, Mining, Minerals & Materials, Chemicals & Petrochemicals, ‘Ecology & Environment’, ‘Water’, ‘Agriculture & Floriculture’, ‘Food & Nutrition’, ‘CSIR for Societal Interventions’, CSIR 800 and IP and Entrepreneurship.

CSIR, with its motto of ‘Touching Lives’, is leaving a remarkable imprint upon its technology partners and technology users

CSIR Pavilion won Gold Medal in the Ministries and Department categories at India International Trade Fair ITF 2016.

Visit of Dr. Harsh Vardhan

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Visit of Dr. Harsh Vardhan

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Hon’ble Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Science, and Vice President of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) visited CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology located at Palampur in Himachal Pradesh on 18 October, 2016. Hon’ble Minister was shown the major research facilities and was briefed on the scientific, societal and industrial achievements of the institute. Director apprised the Hon’ble Minister of the recent transfer of technologies/consultancies to various entrepreneurs and industrial partners. Hon’ble minister was also apprised of signing of MoU for transfer of tea wine technology to representatives of tea industry at Mozambique.

The Hon’ble minister inaugurated Pilot Plant facility for nutraceuticals, Academy & Technology Extension Block and Hydroponic & Aeroponic facility. Having visited the research laboratories and field facilities of the Institute, the Hon’ble Minister’s interacted with scientists and students of the Institute. Later he also interacted with large number of entrepreneurs and farmers, who had taken technologies, advice, and consultancies from the institute in the area of floriculture, tea, medicinal and aromatic plants, food, sweeteners, and enzymes. He appreciated the efforts of entrepreneurs and farmers for adopting the lab technologies. The Hon’ble minister drew attention of the local entrepreneurs to develop industries around local bioresources of high commercial values. Since land holding size in Himachal Pradesh is small, farmers could form societies and approach the institute for technical knowhow, improved cultivars. Information technology should be used for marketing of their produce.

He highlighted that wide climatic diversity in Himalayan region offers unique opportunities to develop range of products and technologies such as low calorie sweeteners, enzymes and microbial based products of societal and industrial significance. He advised that adoption of green technology should be preferred as far as possible. Application of nanotechnology for enhancing efficacy of bioactive compound and metabolites for effective utilization should be rewarding. He noted that the Himalayan region has a vast bamboo resource which should be exploited for the development of various industrial products such as wooden board, textile yarn, activated charcoal and other industrial products.

Observing that Himalayas are highly suitable for cultivation of high value medicinal, aromatic and other crops of commerce, he suggested that the institute should develop a network of entrepreneurs for cultivation, processing and marketing of the produce in an organized manner. It will not only address the issue of increasing menace due to rising populations of monkeys, wild boar and ungulates in Himachal Pradesh, but will provide higher returns to the farmers as well. Promotion of wild marigold, damask rose, valeriana, stevia, violoa, lavender, large cardamom, Artemisia and rosemary by the Institute is a right step in the direction to strengthen farmers’ income. Similarly, he appreciated the support given to floriculture growers in terms of improved cultivars and agrotechnology that has boosted their income by about 3 times. For this the institute should ensure supply of quality planting material to the farmers and provide scientific back-up for the success of the industry. Similarly, for tackling the current issues of labour shortage and rising cost of tea production, promotion of tea farm mechanization, and development of value added product from tea viz., high value antioxidant molecules tea catechins, is a welcome step since global market of catechins is expected to grow from current value of 4400 tonnes to market 9200 tonnes by 2020. Similarly, tea based wines and ready-to-serve teas also have global demand. He was happy to note that institute has promoted the ready-to-serve local cuisine ‘Kangri Dham’ which is preservative free with longer shelf life for wider marketability.

He applauded the institute’s initiative to establish a research centre in the high altitude location in Lahaul valley to cater to the technological needs of the natives in cold desert area of the state, and appreciated the development made in promoting floriculture industry, particularly lilium cultivation that achieved an annual turn-over of Rs. 4-5 crores, by a group of 150 farmers. The Hon’ble Minister urged the scientists of the institute to popularize other relevant crops and use of biotechnological tools for conservation of rare, endangered and threatened plants of the Himalaya. He emphasized the need to develop skilled manpower around such technologies for sustainable utilization of bioresources. Scientists should develop novel technologies to prevent post harvest losses of commercial crops.

Hon’ble Minister highlighted the need to develop deep scientific understanding on fundamental research for which young scientists and research scholars need to play a greater role. Bioresources in Himalayas should be used for identification of new bio-molecules of therapeutic importance, and developing crop varieties to withstand increasing biotic and abiotic stressed in face of changing climate conditions. He said that nation has high expectations from young scientists who have to think out of the box to take forward the national missions, and emphasized on addressing the need of mountain communities to evolve into Samarth Bharat-Sashakt Bharat. He reminded the message of our Hon’ble Prime Minister to connect with common people of the country through application of science and develop people centric technology in a time bound manner.

The visit of Hon’ble Minister to the institute was highly motivating to the scholars, scientists and staff, farmers and entrepreneurs.

Hon’ble PM released new varieties

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Hon’ble PM released new varieties

Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi released new varieties of Calla Lilly (Him Sumukh & Him Sweta) and Gerbera (Him Aabha, Him Apoorva, Him Gaurav, Him Keerti & Him Saumya)

Gerbera

Internationally gerbera ranks fifth among top ten cut flowers with market trade of 134 million Euros with 570 million flower sticks (2012). US and China are the major producers of Gerbera cut flowers.

Currently, in India gerbera is cultivated in 2250 acres. Being a three-year crop with 30,000 plant density in an acre, the annual demand of this crop is 23 million plants costing Rs. 57.5crores (price per plant is Rs. 25/-).

Presently, all the cultivars of gerbera in trade are imported and subsequently mass multiplied through tissue culture.

CSIR-IHBT is only Institute developing Gerbera varieties.

Varieties Released

CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur has developed five new varieties of gerbera namely, Him Saumya (light yellow colour), Him Gaurav (pink colour), Him Aabha (yellow orange colour), Him Apoorva (Red bicolour) and Him Keerti (bright yellow colour) through ongoing hybridization and selection programme. The varieties were selected for unique double / semi-double flower shapes and bright colors which find preference among consumers and are as per the requirements of market demand. A controlled hybridization programme was carried out using characterized gerbera parental lines and selecting the promising hybrid genotypes based on morphological and floral attributes. The selections were evaluated for agronomic performance under protected cultivation for two years and found superior to the parents. The varieties have good tissue culture response, nursery performance, vigorous growth and suitable for protected cultivation.

Him-Aabha

Him-Saumya

Him-Apoorva

Him-Keerti

Him-Gaurav

Calla Lily

Internationally calla lilyhas market trade of 25 million Euros with 63 million flower sticks (2012). New Zealand and US are the major producers.

Presently the crop is in trial mode as a future floriculture crop and the Institute will be promoting it as a new crop for commercial cut flower production as well as pot culture.

This floriculture crop is a new introduction and the commercial cultivation of this crop is yet to commence in India. Some of the tissue culture firms have imported the planting material of calla lilies for conducting demonstration trials in India for establishing market and consumer demand.

Varieties Released

The Institute has also developed two varieties of Calla lilies, Him Sumukh (yellow colour) and Him Shweta (white colour) which are very attractive because of their exotic blooms and glossy foliage. Calla lilies are new introduction as floriculture crop and have potential both as a cut flower as well as flowering pot plant.

International Yoga Day

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International Yoga Day

CSIR-IHBT celebrated the International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm. A yoga expert, Ms. Ruchika Chauhan from Himalayan Research Institute for Yoga and Naturopathy (KAYAKALP) Palampur was invited as the resource person. She briefly highlighted the benefits of yoga in context to the present day life style. Thereafter, she held a practical session of one and half hour and demonstrated various asanas, wherein staff and students participated. She also addressed to several queries raised by the participants. Everybody felt relaxed and energetic after the session. The programme was organised in the conference hall and telecasted live in the lobby and corridor for greater participation.